Introduction to Blood Components

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of Red Blood Cells (RBCs)?

Transport oxygen around the body.

What is the function of White Blood Cells (WBCs)?

To fight infection.

What is the main function of Platelets?

To clot the blood.

What are the four parts of blood?

<ol> <li>Plasma 2. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) 3. White Blood Cells (WBCs) 4. Platelets</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Plasma in the blood?

Transport RBCs, WBCs, platelets, and hormones around the body. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Red Blood Cells (RBCs) flexible?

To prevent damage easily. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Rhesus factor in blood?

It determines blood compatibility for transfusions. Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation allows Red Blood Cells (RBCs) to efficiently transport oxygen?

Biconcave shape. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't haemophiliacs form blood clots?

Because of a deficiency in clotting factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of platelets in the blood?

To clot the blood. Signup and view all the answers

How do Red Blood Cells (RBCs) adapt to efficiently transport oxygen?

Biconcave shape and containing iron pigment haemoglobin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of White Blood Cells (WBCs)?

To fight infection. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of White Blood Cells (WBCs) mentioned in the text?

Lymphocytes and Monocytes (Macrophages). Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Rhesus factor in blood?

It determines blood compatibility for transfusions. Signup and view all the answers

Where are Red Blood Cells (RBCs) produced?

Red bone marrow. Signup and view all the answers

What does plasma transport around the body besides blood cells and hormones?

Heat. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the flexibility of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) important?

To prevent damage and ensure efficient oxygen transport. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in the body?

To transport oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood is considered a tissue composed of different cells working together to transport oxygen, waste products, hormones, and heat from internal organs to plasma.
The four main components of blood are plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
Plasma, which is yellow in color, functions to transport cells, hormones, and heat throughout the body and acts as a solvent mainly made up of water.
Red blood cells, produced in red bone marrow, lack a nucleus and are specialized for oxygen transport due to their biconcave shape and the presence of the iron pigment hemoglobin.
White blood cells, produced in bone marrow, come in different types like lymphocytes and monocytes (macrophages), and they play a crucial role in fighting infections by producing antibodies and engulfing pathogens.
Platelets, also produced in bone marrow, are essential for blood clotting to prevent excessive blood loss and the entry of microorganisms.
Blood groups include A, B, AB, and O, and it is crucial for blood transfusions to match these groups to avoid harm to the recipient.
The Rhesus factor is present on the red blood cells of 85% of Irish individuals, influencing compatibility in blood transfusions.

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Description

Learn about the different components of blood including plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Understand the functions of each component and how they work together to transport oxygen, waste products, hormones, and heat throughout the body.